Date Published: March 30, 2026, 04:16h.

Updated on: March 30, 2026, 04:17h.

• Vegas Golden Knights release head coach Bruce Cassidy with just eight games remaining in the regular season
• Knights have a poor 5-10-2 record in their last 17 outings
• John Tortorella steps in as head coach after his role as assistant for the USA men’s Olympic hockey team

The hockey community is buzzing following the Vegas Golden Knights’ bold decision to dismiss head coach Bruce Cassidy yesterday, appointing John Tortorella in his place with eight games left in the regular season.

Current Betting Odds

Such a drastic decision at this point in the season is rare in the NHL. This marks the latest coaching change for a playoff-bound team since the New Jersey Devils replaced Claude Julien in the 2006-07 season. Another notable instance occurred when Devils GM Lou Lamoriello dismissed Robbie Ftorek eight games prior to the playoffs in 2000, promoting Larry Robinson, who ultimately led the team to a Stanley Cup victory.

The firing of Cassidy underscores the Golden Knights’ unwavering commitment to winning. Players seeking a fun break in Las Vegas may need to reassess their expectations.

This franchise consistently approaches the salary cap and is active during both the NHL trade deadline and July’s free agency, directly pursuing top talent. Currently, they have five players who participated in the Canada-USA Olympic gold medal game in February: Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, Shea Theodore, and Noah Hanifin.

Goaltending Concerns

However, since returning from the Olympic break on February 25th against the L.A. Kings, the Golden Knights have recorded a disappointing 5-10-2 record—one of the league’s worst. Their goaltending has struggled, with a paltry .867% save percentage, ranking second-last in the NHL. Compounding issues, the team has not effectively replaced star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who is on long-term disability.

Thus, Cassidy’s dismissal reflects the high stakes involved, particularly given the financial investments the organization makes in its players. The Golden Knights have lost three consecutive games and six of their last seven, leaving them only four points ahead of the L.A. Kings, who have a game in hand for the final divisional playoff position.

“Making tough decisions regarding good people comes with the territory,” stated Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon on TSN’s Overdrive earlier today. “The energy of our team felt lacking during our best moments, and that wasn’t acceptable. John is known for his direct, honest approach and accountability, and I believe he can reignite our team’s fire.”

Tortorella isn’t expected to overhaul the team’s systems or play style.

“We don’t have time to reinvent the entire game plan,” McCrimmon mentioned on Overdrive. “While I have concerns about our goaltending, I have faith in our goaltenders. Adin (Hill) has proven he can win a Stanley Cup (in 2023), and I believe he can do it again.”

Challenges Ahead for Players

Those knowledgeable about the NHL over the past two decades are familiar with Tortorella’s fiery persona. He is known for his confrontational style, even sparring with renowned hockey writer Larry Brooks during his time with the Rangers.

Having coached five NHL teams, including leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Cup in 2006, Tortorella is recognized for starting strong but possibly losing influence over his players as time goes on. He is known for being demanding but also grants his standout players ample freedom, which could bode well for Marner, Eichel, Barbashev, and Stone.

Last season, while coaching the Philadelphia Flyers, reports emerged of a tense encounter with defenseman Cam York that contributed to Tortorella’s exit. Notably, York expressed respect for Tortorella post-firing.

Upcoming Challenges

The Golden Knights’ final eight games include two matchups against the struggling Vancouver Canucks—the worst team in the league. The first game kicks off tonight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where the Golden Knights are favored at -360, with the Canucks trailing at +285. As Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers commented last week, the Pacific Division is highly competitive, with just six points separating first-place Anaheim Ducks (41-28-4, 86 points), the second-place Edmonton Oilers (37-28-9, 83 points), and the third-place Golden Knights (32-26-16, 80 points). No team in this division appears formidable.

As for betting odds, the Vegas Golden Knights were +900 to win the Stanley Cup at the Olympic break in early February, and those odds have now shifted to +1400, remaining steady since Cassidy’s dismissal.

At DraftKings, the Golden Knights are currently +1500 to clinch the Cup, following the Colorado Avalanche at +290, the Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes each at +450, the Dallas Stars at +1000, the Oilers at +1200, and the Buffalo Sabres also at +1500.

FanDuel lists the Golden Knights at +1500 as well, trailing the Avalanche at +310, the Lightning at +360, the Hurricanes at +500, and the Stars at +1100.

However, if goaltending issues persist, it won’t make a difference who is at the helm.